Toby Greene and Eddie Betts goals light up GWS-Adelaide JLT clash
It may only be the JLT Community Series but two of the AFL's star small forwards have already showcased their brilliance ahead of the home and away season.
Toby Greene and Eddie Betts pulled off two of the most miraculous goals in recent history with acrobatic efforts inside both GWS and Adelaide's goal squares in the first quarter of the Crows' 10. 15. (75) to 7. 15. (57) win over the Giants.
Greene's effort brought back memories of then-North Melbourne star Daniel Wells' famous 'Jackie Chan in mid air' goal in 2002 against Fremantle as he pounced on a bouncing ball midair to redirect it towards his boot.
But just minutes later, the Giants star's spectacular effort was matched by Betts, who has developed a penchant for the freakish.
After a pressured goal-line handball from one of his teammates, Betts incredibly avoided the oncoming Giants defender and maneuvered his body to be able to get his right boot to the ball before contact.
Fans on social media were left impressed by the skill level of both players following the pair of goals.
After a promising start, the Giants failed to kick a goal during the second and third quarters, as Adelaide tuned up for their round-one game against Hawthorn with ease.
The Crows took the foot off the pedal in the final term after leading by 37 points at three-quarter time, with the Giants putting respect back on the scoreboard.
The result was in large part due to the performances of Crows co-captain Rory Sloane (28 touches, one goal) and onballer Brad Couch (31 possessions), who both endured injury-riddled 2018 seasons.
Crouch didn't play a game last year as he battled ongoing groin problems, but he put together another sparking display after his first-up effort last week against Port Adelaide.
Crows co-captain Rory Sloane was outstanding with 28 disposals and a goal to his name AAP
His younger brother Matt was the pick of the bunch, gathering 38 disposals, with a fit midfield going a long way towards the Crows returning to the top eight after slumping last year to 12th.
Josh Jenkins and Chayce Jones kicked two majors each for Adelaide, while star small forward Eddie Betts provided a trademark highlight with a spectacular soccer goal off the side of his boot.
The Giants were led superbly by ace midfielder Stephen Coniglio (37 possessions), former No.1 draft pick Lachie Whitfield and Daniel Lloyd (two goals).
- With AAP
